One question that keeps coming up -- virtually every project for the past 25 years, "Where did you get that idea?"  There is no easy answer to this question. Where do creative ideas come from?  They are a gift, to be appreciated, accepted, and used.

You have special talents that help to shape who you are, what makes you unique.  Celebrate them, and use them however and whenever you can. Have you thought about this recently?  What unique talents do you possess that you take for granted?  My mother-in-law puts herself down all the time, because in her mind, she has no talent.  She never learned to type, never worked.  Yet she has changed the lives of thousands of people because she took the time to listen and communicate with them, and help them. She will never admit that this is her very special talent.

Practically every client I've worked with has apologized for not being creative.  Yet, most of them know what they like, what appeals to them.  I'm just a creative facilitator who listens to them, and helps them to discover possibilities that they can't see. Oops! Did you catch that?  "Just" is a word we all use to minimize our abilities.

Designers need a support team.  The manager of the local United Tile showroom, Debbee Larson, is absolutely the most knowledgeable, creative industry partner I have.  We've been working together this week, to solve a multi-faceted problem for a very special client.  Unique metallic glass mosaic tiles, intended for the kitchen backsplash, have been backordered for four months, so the tile contractor had to install all of the tile, leaving spaces for the mosaic inserts.  Unfortunately, his employees doubled the number of inserts, which means that when the tile arrives, there won't be enough for the inserts and the custom medallion I designed for the area between the cooktop and the hood.  

One of the most enjoyable, exciting aspects of my design business is creative problem solving, to achieve the homeowners' goals, and save them money. Debbee understood this, and worked with me to provide alternatives that the homeowners like.  The backsplash will be beautiful, and it will achieve the pizzaz that the homeowners wanted to enhance their new kitchen.

When you are interviewing a design professional, look at their portfolio. Select one project that has before and after pictures, and ask them how they developed the creative solutions. Inquire about the specific changes, and how the family was positively affected. Ask about challenges they encountered, and how they overcame problems. Notice how many times they use "I" versus "we".   Observe how they relate to the family's needs, how enthusiastic they are about helping people.   Other questions, hints, tips, and how-to's are included in my white paper report, "How to Interview, Hire, and Work with a Design Professional," which is only $9.95, and can be ordered by sending a request e-mail to: orders@dp-design.com.

 Design professionals can (and should) be proud of past accomplishments. We've been blessed with talents that can positively change people's lives. We need to remember that our creativity is a blessing, and remember that a gift isn't a gift until it's shared.  

• Ask the contractor what his or her markup is for labor, and ask him or her to provide copies of labor invoices and time cards for your project.  If he or she refuses, you have the right to ask why.

• In most states, it is illegal for designers to mark up labor (i.e., manufacturing custom products or installing products), or directly hire trade contractors unless the designer has a contractor’s license.  Before you hire a designer, verify requirements and restrictions from the licensing board in your state.

• It is not illegal for contractors and designers to accept and receive referral fees (aka “finder’s fee” or “kickback").  As a consumer, you should know about these fees, so you can make an informed decision about asking for comparative estimates before you purchase anything.  Many professional organizations require their members to disclose this information to their clients.  The potential impact for you is being referred to a company (or service provider) because it financially benefits the contractor or designer.  

I have never solicited, accepted, or paid a referral fee.  One company that installs window film typically pays a percentage of the sale to the designer. I always have this company send the "commission" check to my clients.  I believe strongly that a referral to clients should be based on the quality of products or services being recommended.

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