Here's how you can approach failure differently as an experienced interior designer compared to beginners.

Each failure imparts a valuable lesson, a reminder to embrace challenges as they come. As an old Iranian proverb says, ‘A blank page bears no errors.’ Inaction guarantees no growth; only through endeavor and learning from mistakes can one progress and refine their craft.

Sharing your experiences with others can be incredibly beneficial. Mentoring newcomers or discussing challenges with peers not only helps them but also reinforces your own learning and growth.

Seasoned interior designers view failure as an opportunity for growth. They understand that each setback provides valuable lessons that can refine their skills and improve future projects. For example, if a living room design featuring a sectional sofa doesn’t resonate with a client, an experienced designer will analyze what went wrong—whether it was a mismatch in style, functionality, or client communication. They use these insights to enhance their approach in future projects.New designers might see failure as a significant setback. It’s crucial for them to shift this perspective and see it as part of the learning process.

Aprender com os erros é essencial! Sempre lembro da fala de um professor que dizia "Incorpore o erro a obra", esta frase transformou grandes problemas em grandes êxitos em minha vida. Por muitas vezes foi o erro o grande diferencial da obra, além de todo aprendizado gerado.

After each project you have to reflect and analyze. take your time to reflect on what went well and what didn’t. Analyzing these aspects helps the designer to understand their strengths and areas to improveme. This mindset is crucial for continuous improvement

I always like to see clients as partners. I don't see it as my job to tell them what is best, but rather as a voice that can help them realize their goals for their organization through the built environment. It is important to take their feedback seriously and look for opportunities to improve by inviting their ideas, addressing their concerns and finding ways to improve the design.

Handling client feedback is an art in itself. As an experienced designer, I’ve come to realise that not all criticism is negative. Rather than taking it personally, I use feedback constructively to gain deeper insights into my client's vision and needs.

I tell clients all the time that as a designer, I am merely the guide to helping them achieve their dream home by sharing my expertise, creativity and resources. In essence, I treat them as a partner in their own creation of the home and allow for their opinions and critiques to be an open part of the conversation as we work through the design. Clients feel heard, valued and thus give positive feedback at the end of a project. It's been my winning recipe for 20+ years.

I concur that mastering client feedback requires practice. Developing soft skills and honing active listening are crucial. My own experience with calming a heated client transformed them into a loyal customer, illustrating the power of patience and understanding.

Je vois toujours mes clients comme des partenaires essentiels. Mon rôle n’est pas de leur imposer des choix, mais de les guider pour réaliser leurs objectifs à travers des espaces bien conçus. Par exemple, lorsqu'un client exprime une vision spécifique pour son bureau, je l'écoute attentivement et propose des ajustements pour aligner le design sur ses besoins. Il est crucial de prendre leurs commentaires en compte, d'inviter leurs idées, de répondre à leurs préoccupations, et de chercher constamment des moyens d'améliorer le projet ensemble. Cette collaboration active enrichit le processus et garantit que le résultat final dépasse les attentes.

Seasoned designers are adept at identifying potential risks early in a project and developing strategies to mitigate them. They have a wealth of experience to draw from, enabling them to foresee issues related to budget, materials, and client preferences. For example, when selecting a sofa set for a high-traffic living room, they consider durability, maintenance, and style compatibility to minimize future problems.

Manter o controle sobre as decisões da obra é essencial para um bom resultado, porém deve existir a possibilidade de atender, na medida do possível, as demandas do cliente. Ser inflexível pode gerar descontentamento e ser flexível demais causar a derrocada de um bom projeto. Saber o ponto de equilíbrio é essencial.

Experienced professionals are able to analyse situation, identify potential risks in order to avoid or reduce them. They have strategies and also connection with people, a team of vendors and suppliers they can rely on. It saves a lot of time, money and keep their nerve.

The risk management process includes five steps: identify, analyze, evaluate, treat, and monitor. As an experienced designer one should mitigate risks by avoiding, accepting, reducing, or transferring them.

A diverse portfolio is a significant asset for experienced designers. It showcases their ability to handle a variety of styles, client needs, and project challenges. This diversity provides a buffer against failure, as it demonstrates versatility and adaptability. For instance, showcasing projects ranging from minimalist living room designs to luxurious bedroom renovations with unique furniture choices highlights their breadth of experience and creativity.

Experienced designers showcase their values for potential clients by portfolio they have. It is brand image. It demonstrates designer’s capability of managing multiple projects from concept to completion, work with different types of clients and styles.

A diverse portfolio is essential for demonstrating resilience and adaptability. It showcases your ability to tackle various challenges and grow from them. Highlighting how past failures have turned into successes can be particularly compelling, as it illustrates your problem-solving skills and capacity for learning from experience. This not only builds trust with prospective clients but also distinguishes you from beginners who are still in the process of building their portfolios.

The design field is very competitive and directly related to technology. New designs, materials, and mechanisms emerge every second into the market. Keeping oneself updated on the trends is a must. And most importantly understanding what best suits one's style is key. Therefore, it is essential to attend exhibitions, network with the dealers and follow trending designs for continuous learning.

To add to it, Sharing quick pointers to precisely contribute my perspective here, Leverage Experience: Turn failure into a learning opportunity. Professional Network: Utilize connections to attend workshops and webinars. Collaborate with Peers: Engage with industry experts to stay updated. Stay Current: Keep up with the latest trends and technologies. Continuous Growth: Ensure ongoing professional development and innovation.

Continual education and staying updated with industry trends are crucial for experienced designers. They attend workshops, read industry publications, and engage in professional development to keep their skills sharp. For example, learning about the latest sustainable materials for home furniture can enhance their design offerings.New designers should also prioritize learning but might focus more on foundational skills and industry basics. Joining professional organizations and seeking out educational opportunities can help them build a strong knowledge base and network within the industry.

I’ve updated my LinkedIn profile background to highlight my dedication to continuous learning. The image features a quote by Brian Tracy: “Continuous learning is the minimum requirement for success in any field.” This serves as a visual reminder of my commitment to ongoing education and professional growth in interior design and research.

A wise man once said, in this case, Thomas Edison, "I have not failed. I've found 10,000 ways that won't work" Albeit very hard to embrace, failure is a learning mean, where each experience is a valuable lesson. It is not the opposite of success, but a major part of the process. Learning to start again, empowered with the recent knowledge acquired, is both invigorating and enlightening.

Resilience transforms mistakes into stepping stones. Diligently identifying their causes not only prevents recurrence but also fortifies one’s design philosophy. True resilience shines when errors are beyond one’s control, prompting a designer to weave lessons learned into the fabric of future projects

Experienced designers often develop a higher level of emotional resilience, enabling them to handle setbacks with composure. They understand that failure is a natural part of the creative process and maintain a positive outlook. They are also more likely to have developed effective stress management techniques to cope with the demands of their career.New designers can be more emotionally affected by failure. Building emotional resilience through experience, mentorship, and personal development is essential. Understanding that every designer faces challenges can help them stay motivated and focused.

With developed resilience, we are better able to manage stress, cope with adversity, and maintain a positive outlook even during difficult times. This can also strengthen relationships, both personally and professionally

Experience helps professionals train in resilient thinking because we accept things that we can’t control. If I face with failure, I understand it’s a part of a process and take it as a lesson or opportunity to turn on my creativity and find a new approach to a project.