Four Lessons I Learned Coordinating Design Projects
Over the past several years, I've learned that successful design isn't just about selecting finishes or creating beautiful renderings. It's about communication, organization, problem-solving, and managing hundreds of moving pieces to bring a vision to life.
Here are five lessons that have stayed with me throughout my career.
Design begins with great organization.
Interior design projects involve an incredible amount of information. Clients, consultants, contractors, suppliers, drawings, specifications, purchase orders, meeting notes, and schedules all need to be managed throughout the life of a project.
Without an organized system, it's surprisingly easy to lose information, reference an outdated drawing, or overlook an important detail.
Creating clear folder structures, using standardized file naming conventions, implementing project management software, and documenting meeting notes consistently can make an enormous difference. An organized workflow allows information to be updated quickly, shared with the team efficiently, and easily located months later.
Every small detail matters.
If you've worked in interior design, this probably comes as no surprise.
Tiny details have a habit of becoming very expensive mistakes.
A single incorrect SKU can result in the wrong product being ordered. Choosing fabric Soho 03 instead of Soho 08 could completely change the look of a room. Specifying a bar stool instead of a counter stool may seem minor on paper, but it can make the furniture unusable once it arrives.
Even site measurements matter. Forgetting to verify hallway widths, elevator dimensions, or doorway clearances could mean that a custom-made sofa simply won't fit into the space.
These are the kinds of mistakes that can delay projects by weeks, or even months.
Taking the time to double-check drawings, product specifications, quantities, addresses, and site conditions is one of the most valuable habits a project coordinator can develop.
Relationships are just as important as design.
One of the greatest resources in our industry is the people behind the products.
Suppliers and manufacturer representatives bring an incredible amount of knowledge to every project. They understand their products inside and out, know what is launching next, can recommend alternatives when products become unavailable, and often help solve problems before they become major issues.
Over the years, I've built wonderful relationships with suppliers, and many have become trusted partners whenever challenges arise.
Ask questions. Learn about their products and services. Find out how they can support your projects. Strong relationships make everyone better, and great suppliers are worth their weight in gold.
The best spaces reflect the people who live there.
Beautiful homes aren't created by filling them with expensive furniture or following the latest trends. They're created by telling a story of the people whole live there.
Some of my favourite spaces include meaningful objects collected over time… a photograph from a memorable trip, a family heirloom passed down through generations, artwork created by a local artist, or a hand-carved sculpture with a personal history. These pieces bring warmth, personality, and authenticity to a home. They spark conversations, preserve memories, and create spaces that feel deeply personal.
Design should help tell it that person’s story.
Final thoughts…
Project coordination taught me that great design extends far beyond selecting finishes and arranging furniture. It requires organization, attention to detail, strong relationships, adaptability, and a genuine understanding of the people you're designing for. When all of these pieces come together, they're delivered successfully.
Cheers!
Lo