NEWS

Clients indeed need interior designers’ services for their expertise… but what do we do if clients and designers have differing opinions?   Clement Cadmiel is both the founder and principal of Patio Livity Consultant & Contractor (@patio.livity), an architecture & interior design bureau and contractor in Bandung.   “Through Patio Livity, we can improve other people’s quality of life with the works we create… that’s why our tagline is ‘Living in Quality’,” he said onstage at MCISD 2023.   Clement shared his experience in interior design for commercial projects, including how to know clients better. In his opinion, the most important thing in designing is “capturing the clients’ needs.” He uncovers this information by getting to know his clients as an individual instead of a business partner.   “We don’t get straight to the point, such as asking what kind of design they like, or anything design-related. Sometimes, we sound like we’re rambling. It’s because, when we get closer to our clients, we can sympathize more: what do they like … what do they need.”   This is highly important because designers and owners often lack consensus. Designers’ minds may be overly idealistic and design-oriented, while owners focus more on cost and business performance. Patio Livity strives to bridge the designers’ idealism and the reality in business.   For example, designers may want to create awe-striking and Instagram-able interior designs for a restaurant – but would aesthetics matter if the restaurant doesn’t have enough seating?   “The first thing we ponder is, ‘Who is the target market we’re wishing to reach with this project?’” stated Clement on commercial designs. Customer experience often requires more attention than ideas and concepts. “We don’t need to think of the materials used in our designs … most of the time, that will only interest fellow designers. Experience is what customers feel.”   Would you like to see Patio Livity’s work? Come visit Nichi Izakaya Bar & Yakiniku and taste the fine dining experience that Clement had in mind! (sj)