CLIENT INTERACTIONS DURING DESIGN DISCUSSIONS

Design discussions are where creativity meets chaos—and clients, of course. Every project brings a new personality to the table, making the process part art, part therapy. Here’s a lighthearted look at the diverse species of clients every designer has met.

1. The “I Know What I Don’t Want” Client

This one’s a classic. They can't describe what they want, but boy, do they know what they hate. Every suggestion is met with a polite "Not this, something else...

" You become a mind-reader, flipping through Pinterest boards in despair.

2. The Moodboard Maniac

Armed with a 100-slide Pinterest presentation, this client has dreamed of this project since 2002. They love everything—Japandi, boho, industrial, even Barbiecore. When you ask for clarity, they say, “Can we do a mix of all?”

3. The Silent Observer

This client just nods. You talk about materials, orientation, and zoning, and they say nothing. Three weeks later, you receive a 2,000-word email outlining every problem in the design. Surprise!

4. The Budget Dreamer

Wants marble flooring, a green wall, gold fixtures—on a budget that screams linoleum. “Can we do it under 2 lakhs?” they ask, while pointing at a villa in Architectural Digest.

5. The WhatsApp Warrior

Sends design inputs at 2 AM. Forgets what they approved last week. Changes their mind after the site is halfway built. Their design vision changes with every Instagram reel.

Funny Moment Alert!

During a site visit, one client confidently declared, “Let’s rotate the building to face west for better vastu.” The building was already under construction. After a long pause, I offered them a compass and a prayer.

6. The Family Conference Client

Every meeting includes uncles, cousins, neighbours, and the occasional dog. Everyone has an opinion. You present to 12 people, only to be told,

“Papa will take the final call. He’s in Dubai till next month.”

Designing is part creativity, part counseling.

But amid all the chaos, these quirky interactions are what make the journey memorable—and often hilarious.

References:

This blog is based on real-world observations and shared experiences in the design community.

For further reading on client psychology in design, see:

● Brown, T. (2009). Change by Design. Harvard Business Press.

● Norman, D. A. (2013). The Design of Everyday Things. Basic Books.

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