Summer 2018

LUXLIFE MAGAZINE | 25 Summer 2018 This framework carries over to Natasha’s aims for her business, “my aim is to work to a specific deadline, to the highest standard and most importantly, ensure that my clients and all involved are happy and involved from start-to-end.” When it comes to creating a strategy that brings that goal to fruition, Natasha believes that preparation and hiring the right staff for the job are essential, “Planning and preparation is key. Also, hiring the most suitable staff for each project is fundamental to its success. Design is creative at the concept level yet, from there my role moves into project manager and deadlines and budgets are key. Each project faces some delays or setbacks yet, I learn from each experience and consistently find better solutions to keep my standard as highest as possible, while enjoying the process.” Regarding how she utilises this strategy for new clients, Natasha believes in the power of collaboration and understanding, fundamentally, what the client wants to achieve with the project, “When I am introduced to a new client, agent or business I immediately ask to speak with them or meet to understand their design requirements. From there, if we move forward I always book in a design consultation, which is generally three hours, allowing me to speak in depth to the client. Also, it’s enough time to survey a space, take photographs and provide a personalised proposal within a week post-meeting. “It is important to communicate both in person and in writing your expectations to ensure you understand the client requirements from the start of any project. Also, to allow the client to have expectations on time, budget and the overall outcome for your fee and services. As things may change or adjust, communication to and from clients throughout the process is key to ensure the best possible outcome of any project.” Leading organically to the next question, we asked Natasha about her most successful project to date. Natasha pointed to an odd example, a project that was rife with obstacles from the very beginning. Far from being a chaotic lesson in the hard-work involved day-to- day in interior design, she saw it as a priceless learning experience. It was, above all, an opportunity to test her skills under pressure, “It was my first formal project in Ireland earlier this