Small Project Design

This message has been cross posted to the following Discussion Forums: Small Project Practitioners and CRAN Custom Residential Architects Network .
-------------------------------------------
I recently designed a music room for a wonderful client.  She is a cantor in a local synagogue.  The room was designed to house her beautiful grand piano and her lovely voice.  The project has gone on for way too long and has gone over budget;  Still, it was coming together really well (my client thought so too) and then she chose a paint color.  She had told me earlier that she was looking into a light golden sunset color... and I thought, how bad could that be?   Then I visited the site and she had picked peach... very peach.  Not that peach is always bad; but in this case, it ruined the contrast with the vaulted wood ceiling and made the room much darker than it was supposed to be.  
I actually doubt that my client likes the color she picked.  I think she just want's it to be done.  She doesn't want to spend any more money and really want's the contractor out of her life.
So now i'm actually considering offering to paint the room myself at no charge, but I'm afraid that just asking might offend her.  So do I let a good project not achieve it's potential, (and i can just Photoshop the walls for my portfolio)? Or do I find a way to speak with her honestly about this and maybe paint the room myself?

Attached is a picture of the room before and after Photoshop re-touching.
Also here is a link to other pictures of this job.  http://jtaylordesign.com/projects/view/120  
   

-------------------------------------------
Jason Taylor AIA
Managing Member
J. Taylor Design Group, LLC
New Rochelle NY
-------------------------------------------

-------------------------------------------
Judith Wasserman AIA
Bressack & Wasserman
Palo Alto CA
-------------------------------------------


Or do I find a way to speak with her honestly?
Yes, you should. She sounds like she would understand your analysis.
And probably not paint it yourself.

This is a subject I've discussed a great deal.  A few years ago, a kitchen renovation we did for a very nice young couple would have been highly photogenic except for their choice of tiles for a backsplash: in a very modern kitchen with stainless and stone counters and slab-front cabinets, the tiles had daisies on them designed in what I can best describe as the Hello Kitty aesthetic.  Had our photoshop skills been up to it, we would probably have been more tempted to alter the images for our website, but we would not have been able to explain it to the client without hurting feelings.  We spent a lot of time debating the ethics, though, and felt that unless we also included a note about the change in the image and a way to see the original (which would have been informative since it indicated to our website viewers something about our own aesthetic), it would not be right. So we never used any photos of it.

Perhaps you have a somewhat different situation here, though. Presumably the room is now entirely furnished and the repainting would involve some nuisance to the client, even if it were free.  You could ask if she expected the color to come out like that-- paint chips have a way of seeming much less intense when you see them at the store, and I always ask painters to paint a 3' x 3' sample for approval first.  If she feels the color is too strong, ask her if she minds your changing it on your website (has she not looked at the images there?).  If she has no objection, you could include a note somewhere saying that the wall color has been lightened to make the contrast with the daylight from the windows less stark and to show the room more clearly.  And if you can afford it, offer to re-paint; why not?  I can tell you that a well-known and very wealthy architect from the Boston area has been known to pay for work on his projects that clients agreed to but could not pay for.

If she does object, perhaps a photo of the room furnished, with photographer's lighting, taken at night, would work.  I know that is not what was wanted-- all the windows indicate that the room was meant to be used during the day-- but unless one wants to travel down the slippery ethical slope of showing projects as we wished them built rather than as they were built, in my opinion you should either show the room as it is or include a note about the photo's alteration.

-------------------------------------------
Leah Greenwald AIA
Leah Greenwald, Architect
Lexington MA
-------------------------------------------

Thanks for everyone's input.  I think I'm going to have to mention it to her.  My client and I actually have a very nice relationship.  She lives 1 block away from me and we see each other often when I walk around the neighborhood with my kids (she's always outside gardening).  Part of the reason I'm nervous about insulting her is because I like her so much.  Also, her husband is ill and, she has much more important things to worry about, than paint colors.  Still, It's only one room.  It is still unfurnished -- the piano movers are coming on Thursday.  That is why I am offering to physically do the painting myself.  If I do it, I'd best do it before Thursday.  It's only one room and I don't have to paint the ceiling or any trim.  Still, I'll surely lose a full day of architecture work (and I've got other clients waiting for their designs).  As for the concerns about her being insulted about seeing the altered images online -- she doesn't even have an email address (I envy her).      

-------------------------------------------
Jason Taylor AIA
Managing Member
J. Taylor Design Group, LLC
New Rochelle NY
-------------------------------------------







Original Message:
Sent: 09-05-2011 10:18
From: Leah Greenwald
Subject: How to fix a client's color choice?

This is a subject I've discussed a great deal.  A few years ago, a kitchen renovation we did for a very nice young couple would have been highly photogenic except for their choice of tiles for a backsplash: in a very modern kitchen with stainless and stone counters and slab-front cabinets, the tiles had daisies on them designed in what I can best describe as the Hello Kitty aesthetic.  Had our photoshop skills been up to it, we would probably have been more tempted to alter the images for our website, but we would not have been able to explain it to the client without hurting feelings.  We spent a lot of time debating the ethics, though, and felt that unless we also included a note about the change in the image and a way to see the original (which would have been informative since it indicated to our website viewers something about our own aesthetic), it would not be right. So we never used any photos of it.

Perhaps you have a somewhat different situation here, though. Presumably the room is now entirely furnished and the repainting would involve some nuisance to the client, even if it were free.  You could ask if she expected the color to come out like that-- paint chips have a way of seeming much less intense when you see them at the store, and I always ask painters to paint a 3' x 3' sample for approval first.  If she feels the color is too strong, ask her if she minds your changing it on your website (has she not looked at the images there?).  If she has no objection, you could include a note somewhere saying that the wall color has been lightened to make the contrast with the daylight from the windows less stark and to show the room more clearly.  And if you can afford it, offer to re-paint; why not?  I can tell you that a well-known and very wealthy architect from the Boston area has been known to pay for work on his projects that clients agreed to but could not pay for.

If she does object, perhaps a photo of the room furnished, with photographer's lighting, taken at night, would work.  I know that is not what was wanted-- all the windows indicate that the room was meant to be used during the day-- but unless one wants to travel down the slippery ethical slope of showing projects as we wished them built rather than as they were built, in my opinion you should either show the room as it is or include a note about the photo's alteration.

-------------------------------------------
Leah Greenwald AIA
Leah Greenwald, Architect
Lexington MA
-------------------------------------------

A residence is a far different monster than a public space. You have to ask yourself, "Is it more important that I have the pictures of their residential space that I want for that brief photo opportunity OR is it more important that the client LOVE their personal space?" I find it quite arrogant when we place our needs for that picture we want over the happiness of the client who paid us to make THEM happy. I know we work really hard on a project and we can't wait to show it off. I had a client paint one of my best houses PURPLE! We sat down with the 3D model and tried many shades of PURPLE and we eventually found a grayed version of the color that went really well with their stone work and it really wasn't so bad after all. I found myself getting rather angry and offended that this client would ruin MY wonderful project. After the dust settled I realized how selfish I was being. It's not my house. I don't have to live in it everyday. I just wanted a picture.

I looked at the photos of the project in question and I agree with another poster that the color is not that awful. From what I'm seeing on my screen, the colors don't clash or look horrible together. Perhaps I'm missing something in the photo that one can only see in person. Note to self: If you really love a residential project and can't wait to photograph it, make sure you add your 2 cents to the finish selections before it's too late. I'm a true believer that residential clients have to live in their new personal space, everyone sees color differently, and their taste (as tacky as it may be) may not match yours. It's THIER house! Find a PURPLE you can both love.

-------------------------------------------
Eric Rawlings AIA
Owner
Rawlings Design, Inc.
Decatur GA
-------------------------------------------







Original Message:
Sent: 09-05-2011 10:18
From: Leah Greenwald
Subject: How to fix a client's color choice?

This is a subject I've discussed a great deal.  A few years ago, a kitchen renovation we did for a very nice young couple would have been highly photogenic except for their choice of tiles for a backsplash: in a very modern kitchen with stainless and stone counters and slab-front cabinets, the tiles had daisies on them designed in what I can best describe as the Hello Kitty aesthetic.  Had our photoshop skills been up to it, we would probably have been more tempted to alter the images for our website, but we would not have been able to explain it to the client without hurting feelings.  We spent a lot of time debating the ethics, though, and felt that unless we also included a note about the change in the image and a way to see the original (which would have been informative since it indicated to our website viewers something about our own aesthetic), it would not be right. So we never used any photos of it.

Perhaps you have a somewhat different situation here, though. Presumably the room is now entirely furnished and the repainting would involve some nuisance to the client, even if it were free.  You could ask if she expected the color to come out like that-- paint chips have a way of seeming much less intense when you see them at the store, and I always ask painters to paint a 3' x 3' sample for approval first.  If she feels the color is too strong, ask her if she minds your changing it on your website (has she not looked at the images there?).  If she has no objection, you could include a note somewhere saying that the wall color has been lightened to make the contrast with the daylight from the windows less stark and to show the room more clearly.  And if you can afford it, offer to re-paint; why not?  I can tell you that a well-known and very wealthy architect from the Boston area has been known to pay for work on his projects that clients agreed to but could not pay for.

If she does object, perhaps a photo of the room furnished, with photographer's lighting, taken at night, would work.  I know that is not what was wanted-- all the windows indicate that the room was meant to be used during the day-- but unless one wants to travel down the slippery ethical slope of showing projects as we wished them built rather than as they were built, in my opinion you should either show the room as it is or include a note about the photo's alteration.

-------------------------------------------
Leah Greenwald AIA
Leah Greenwald, Architect
Lexington MA
-------------------------------------------

Our organizational chart is simple: Our entire team works for the Client and we always keep the best interests of the end users at the center of our focus. Too bad about the photos.

-------------------------------------------
Dennis Ross AIA
Architect
Pacheco Ross Architects, P.C.
Voorheesville NY
-------------------------------------------






Original Message:
Sent: 09-06-2011 07:13
From: Eric Rawlings
Subject: How to fix a client's color choice?

A residence is a far different monster than a public space. You have to ask yourself, "Is it more important that I have the pictures of their residential space that I want for that brief photo opportunity OR is it more important that the client LOVE their personal space?" I find it quite arrogant when we place our needs for that picture we want over the happiness of the client who paid us to make THEM happy. I know we work really hard on a project and we can't wait to show it off. I had a client paint one of my best houses PURPLE! We sat down with the 3D model and tried many shades of PURPLE and we eventually found a grayed version of the color that went really well with their stone work and it really wasn't so bad after all. I found myself getting rather angry and offended that this client would ruin MY wonderful project. After the dust settled I realized how selfish I was being. It's not my house. I don't have to live in it everyday. I just wanted a picture.

I looked at the photos of the project in question and I agree with another poster that the color is not that awful. From what I'm seeing on my screen, the colors don't clash or look horrible together. Perhaps I'm missing something in the photo that one can only see in person. Note to self: If you really love a residential project and can't wait to photograph it, make sure you add your 2 cents to the finish selections before it's too late. I'm a true believer that residential clients have to live in their new personal space, everyone sees color differently, and their taste (as tacky as it may be) may not match yours. It's THIER house! Find a PURPLE you can both love.

-------------------------------------------
Eric Rawlings AIA
Owner
Rawlings Design, Inc.
Decatur GA
-------------------------------------------

Jason,

I find these sorts of situations come up frequently in all different forms.  I always test myself against a particular question:
As the design professional, did I provide all my expertise to the client?

The answer usually means more work for me, but I don't have any regrets......just less time and money.  I hope you work this out in a way that leaves you feeling satisfied. 

-------------------------------------------
Adam Trott AIA
Adam J. Trott Architect
1001 State Street, Suite 205
Erie PA  16501
www.ajtarch.com
-------------------------------------------

Jason,

The room is lovely and I don't think there is any paint color that would destroy it. That said, I can understand your anguish at not having your vision completed in every respect. But it's time to step back. It's your client's room and she gets to do whatever she wants with it from now on.

I looked at the images of the room you posted on the AIA website and on your own website. You, of course, have experienced the room in reality and I am just looking at pictures, but I tend to agree with your client. The darker color creates a richer, more vibrant, more intimate environment and, in my opinion, knits the walls, ceiling, and wood trim together into a more organic whole. So, yes, the vaulted ceiling stands out less, but I think that's a good thing. Beautiful details don't have to jump out at you. They are often better appreciated when they emerge over time.

-------------------------------------------
Susan Haviland AIA
Haviland Studio
Palo Alto CA
-------------------------------------------