Читать книгу Professional Practice for Interior Designers - Christine M. Piotrowski - Страница 57

Without question, interior design has become a global profession. You can read articles in the trade magazines about design firms in the United States doing work out of the country. On the flip side, there are articles about U.S. firms doing work for international clients who have facilities in New York, or Chicago, or anywhere domestically.

The Internet and overall enhancements in technology have expanded the reach of designers throughout the world. Virtual communications make it easy to hold meetings, transmit drawings and other documents, and manage projects in a global market. Though it can be argued that most of that international work is done by the large multidiscipline firms, it is not impossible for any designer to attract a potential international client. A designer's Web site, publications, and participation in trade shows like NeoCon (to name a few avenues) can attract an international client to a domestic designer. Nevertheless, the small interior design firm that has visions of international work must enter this arena with caution and care.

Working globally is not for everyone anchored in the United States. It can be expensive and financially risky. This chapter has been added to clarify some of the issues that must be considered by any size firm considering making the move to going global.

As with deciding to enter any new market or specialty, it is vital for the firm to carefully consider why it wants to pursue an international clientele or a specific project overseas. Research must be performed on a variety of issues before embarking on a full‐on global reach strategy. This chapter endeavors to briefly discuss many of those key issues.

Global design work also means understanding and embracing cultural differences. For the designer to assume that the client from, let us say, Japan, can speak and do business in English can be a mistake that quickly derails the project. From a business perspective, even improperly greeting a client from a foreign country could end the project even before it begins. International etiquette will be discussed later in the chapter.

Learning the cultural differences of the countries a firm may wish to actively seek work is a first step. But learning about cultural differences of many nationalities is also critical. You will work with clients of different heritages in this country. Respecting those heritages and differences will mean successful interactions with all types of clients.

Whether or not you wish to obtain projects in other countries or obtain a job with a design firm that does work out of the country, having a global perspective is important for all designers in today's world. As the world continues to become smaller due to advances in technology and continual blending of cultures and societies, it is important for designers to have a global perspective.