No one should feel overlooked or pushed aside when creating their dream space.

Unfortunately, I too often meet new clients who recount feeling dismissed by a previous Designer—someone who supposedly “wouldn’t let them” make certain decisions on their own project.

There’s a very real concern that working with a Designer means giving up your voice. So let’s talk about that.

“What if my ideas get steamrolled?”

No one wants to feel unheard, and even more importantly, no one wants to start a project worried that it might slip out of their control. The relationship between a Client and a Designer is fundamental to a successful outcome.

I often compare it to planning a holiday: the client is the traveler, and the Designer is the travel planner or guide.

It’s your holiday—but what kind of experience do you want? What do you want to explore? A Designer’s role is to guide you through the adventure, helping you navigate the options and make the journey smoother and more enjoyable.

It sounds simple, yet I hear so many stories that portray Designers as controlling, opinionated, inflexible, or entirely committed to their own “vision.” In these stories, anything outside that vision simply won’t do.  

While personality and communication style play a role, there’s often something deeper at play. Some Designers may be working toward a specific look for their portfolio, or feel hesitant to attach their name to something that doesn’t align with their personal aesthetic.

As Designers, we naturally care about our creative vision. But I firmly believe that vision must also align with the client’s. It’s their space, after all—and their comfort, joy, and connection to it should always come first.

That doesn’t mean saying “yes” to everything. It means offering thoughtful guidance—explaining the benefits or drawbacks of a choice, and sharing the reasoning behind recommendations. And if something doesn’t feel quite right, exploring how it can be adjusted to better suit what the client truly wants.

Never hesitate to speak up—your Designer should genuinely want your input.

And if you still feel your voice isn’t being heard, it may be time to find a Designer who values true collaboration and welcomes your perspective every step of the way.

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