What do you do if your boss doesn't trust your design decisions in Commercial Interior Design?

Here are some strategies to consider Proactive Communication and Alignment: Early Collaboration: Before diving into detailed designs, discuss the project goals, target audience, and brand identity with your boss. This sets the stage for aligned expectations. Present Initial Concepts and Rationale: Don't wait for a finished product. Show initial mood boards, sketches, or inspiration boards with a clear explanation of your thought process and how these choices align with the project goals. Regular Updates: Schedule regular check-ins to keep your boss informed of your progress. Highlight key design decisions and be open to feedback.

Understand Concerns: Take the time to understand why your boss is hesitant about your design decisions. Is it a matter. learn from others

> Schedule a meeting to understand your boss's concerns. Ask for specific examples and what design elements they'd prefer to see. > Back up your decisions with research on trends, functionality for the space, or client feedback (if applicable). > Use visuals like mood boards or presentations. > Offer to work together on refining the design. This shows respect for their concerns while advocating for your expertise.

Ask yourself what is the root cause of the mistrust? Did you make mistakes in the past? If not, Is this a difference in design decisions? Or is this plain micro-management? An open conversation is a huge help.

In that case I see the benefit of going back a step in the process. Go through the assignment and its workable process step by step. After all, it is very important that staff understand each other and support each other.

Demonstrate Expertise and Research: Industry Knowledge: Stay up-to-date on current trends and best practices in commercial design. Share relevant articles or industry reports to demonstrate your knowledge. Data-Driven Decisions: Whenever possible, support your choices with research and data. This could include industry benchmarks, user behavior studies, or material performance specifications. Expertise Sharing: Offer to present resources or research findings to your team. This positions you as a design leader with valuable knowledge.

Communicate Clearly: Clearly communicate your rationale behind your design choices. Explain how your decisions align with the project goals, client preferences, and industry standards.

Absolutely and by going through the assignment step by step. After all, it is very important that staff understand each other and support each other.

Address Concerns with Openness and Solutions: Active Listening: When your boss expresses concerns, listen actively, acknowledge their perspective, and avoid defensiveness. Clarify Concerns: Ask clarifying questions to understand the root of their hesitation. Are they worried about functionality, budget, or aesthetics? Present Alternatives: If a specific element is a concern, come prepared with alternative solutions or justifications supported by your research.

Seek Feedback: Actively seek feedback from your boss throughout the design process. Incorporate their input and address any concerns they may have promptly.

Highlight Past Successes: Portfolio Power: Subtly reference relevant past projects where your design decisions resulted in positive outcomes. Quantifiable Results: If data is available, share how your designs in past projects improved functionality, employee satisfaction, or brand perception. Client Testimonials: With client permission, highlight positive feedback they provided about your design work.

Show Flexibility: Be open to adjusting your designs based on constructive criticism from your boss. Show that you are willing to collaborate and make changes as needed to meet their expectations.

Seek Mentorship and Professional Development: Open Communication with Boss: Let your boss know you're actively seeking to grow your design expertise. Discuss areas you'd like to develop further. Continuing Education: Participate in workshops, conferences, or online courses to enhance your design knowledge and skills. Mentorship Opportunities: Seek mentorship within your company or industry from a respected designer. Remember: Building trust is a two-way street. By staying informed, communicating effectively, and demonstrating your expertise, you can bridge the gap and establish a collaborative working relationship with your boss.

Provide Evidence: Back up your design decisions with evidence whenever possible. Use data, case studies, or previous successful projects to demonstrate the effectiveness of your approach.

Build Rapport: Build a strong professional relationship with your boss based on trust and respect. Show that you value their input and are committed to delivering high-quality work.

Is your work dynamically responsive to the brief? Do you champion the tasks that others refuse? Have you proven yourself? Sure, trust is earned. But sometimes your best will simply never be enough so long as you are reporting to another ultimate decision maker who may only validate those who support their own entrenched point of view. If respect and confidence are withheld despite your best efforts, move on or launch out on your own. It can be terrifying and risky and it demands boundless confidence and stamina, but driving a vision and answering solely to the client is the ultimate empowerment. “If you don't feel it, flee from it. Go where you are celebrated, not merely tolerated.” - Paul F. Davis

Additionally, consider having a candid conversation with your boss to discuss their expectations, concerns, and how you can work together more effectively to achieve the desired results. Collaboration and open communication are key to overcoming any trust issues in the workplace.