8 ROADBLOCKS TROUBLING ARCHITECTS AND INTERIOR DESIGNERS

And How to Overcome Them

With Proven Strategies to Attract Elite Clients, Escalate your Business Success and Become an Industry Leader

As high as 43% of architects and design professionals take care of most of their responsibilities themselves. However, despite working long hours, they struggle to get everything done on time.

Research shows that architects tend to lose lucrative clients to third-party competitors. As a result, they miss out on big projects and the chance to make their projects the talk of the town.

Building and growing an architecture or design firm calls for big doses of patience, commitment and the knack for doing it RIGHT each time and with each project.

Often, developers finalize and select the wrong materials without proper research and evaluation and this leads to 14% of construction rework.

That’s not all. As many as 80% of architects can’t find the right supplier to understand their unique needs and provide the most suitable products for their projects

THE BIG QUESTION?

01

Are you facing these and other challenges while running your architecture and interior design business?

02

Time for a reality check

Why are so many well-established architects and interior designers still struggling to run their businesses smoothly?

Most of the time, clients and customers need help understanding what an architect or an interior designer wants to show them through their drawings which creates a communication gap between the two and slows down the project

Even if clients understand what the interior professionals can do for them, projects don’t meet expectations because what gets delivered differs from what was promised. Several reasons contribute to this.

worldwide, the interior design services industry is projected to experience a more than $24 billion increase by 2025.

$24 Billion Increase By 2025

So for interiors and architecture firms, the need of the hour is to find a reliable building materials supplier who can help bridge the gap between their creative designs and how to make them a reality with quality fittings, among other things.

Let’s Discover the Top 8 Frustrations of Architects & Interior Designers and Methods to Overcome Them 01

Cut-Throat Competition in the Market

The architecture and interior design industry in India are on an upward spiral.

According to market data, almost 17% of interior designers are concerned about the increasing number of competitors within the industry Most interior design service firms in the global market are trying to seize the industry, leading to a huge upswing in the competition as everyone is pricing their services differently. High competition and low barriers to entry have been identified as major negative factors impacting the industry

Solution

To stand out from your competitors, you need to find products and services that will enhance the industry and be exclusive to your business A great way of doing this is to search and collaborate with industry experts and professionals who can give you the support, guidance, know-how and products to deliver trend-setting legacy projects The right partner can take off the pressure and empower architects and designs to offer the best services to clients without wasting time.

02

Low Perceived Value of Interior Design Services

As high as 63.9% of interior designers feel that the public lacks an understanding of the true value of their design services

Low client budgets and unrealistic expectations regarding budgets are major challenges due to which architects and interior designers are forced to redesign and tweak their actual design plans. It not only delays the project delivery but also compromises the quality and result, making it difficult for designers to satisfy their clientele

39% of interior designers voiced their concern about managing consumer concerns about costs, ranking topmost on the list of challenges they face In reality, architecture is in the details and they matter.

Solution

There is a growing need to sensitize clients and consumers about the value addition that takes place when they hire the specialist services of an interior designer or architect. Only then clients can understand that experts are only charging for the services they are delivering In reality, their low budgets can destroy the actual design plans and leads to improper results Hence, to get the ideal results and create world-class interiors, the clients need to trust their designers and give them the creative freedom to create magic.

03

Difficulty in Building a Specialised Team of Subcontractors & Vendors

Architects and interior designers need a reliable team of specialists to bring their projects to fruition, whether to turn their remodelling plans into reality, source hardware, fittings or other responsibilities Unfortunately, finding the right kind of subcontractors and vendors for excellent team building and seamless functioning isn’t easy

30% of design firms rate the lack of subcontractors as a top challenge which delays project deliveries and leads to imperfections in the project.

And 80% of architects are not able to find the right supplier who can provide them with the best products which lead to re-construction of work and higher costs.

Solution

Architects and designers need to search for and collaborate with experts in each field to build a strong team of support partners. These professionals can lighten the pressure and streamline each process so designers can provide their clients with the best services, on time and to perfection

04

Lack of Premium-Quality Fittings & Materials

While working on high-end client projects, designers and architects require superiorquality fittings and products. Research shows that as high as 50% of architects are unable to find good products in the local markets Further, associating with the wrong supplier and sourcing sub-standard products creates dissatisfaction among the clients, wastage of time and ultimately affects the architect’s reputation

Solution

Finding exclusive products for your special client projects requires the help and support of an experienced team of hardware and material suppliers who provide the latest products in the market It is the best way to deliver exceptional quality projects and build a happy and satisfied clientele.

05

Unable to Find the Right Prospects

Almost 32% of architects and interior designers can’t find the most suitable prospective clients for their business Several reasons contribute to this challenge such as low brand awareness, failure to leverage new digital media strategies and more Working with clients that are not the right match leads to a waste of time and energy as well as a clash in expectations vs reality

Solution

Architects need to invest in in-depth marketing strategies and learn newer ways of getting prospective customers. The focus should be on attracting the right leads and converting them into clients.

06

Lack of Awareness About Industry Trends & Latest Technologies

About 69% of architects feel that high costs are the main challenge in adopting new technologies. Many find it hard to keep a finger on the pulse of the industry realising that they are lagging when it comes to knowing what are the latest tactics and technologies successful architects are using.

Interior Designer Barbara Koi said,

My biggest challenge is staying abreast of new products hitting the market. My clients are looking for one-of-a-kind solutions and they expect to be presented with the latest choices available in every category. Whether it’s the latest kitchen and bath technology, or the most unique lighting, or the newest developments in wall coverings, I have to be vigilant in finding the unique products that reflect their tastes.

Solution

Architects and interior designers must invest in time-saving technologies that can help them make every second count as well as provide their clients with the best of what technology has to offer A good option is to work with experts who can help in preparing smart presentations, BOQs, mood boards and detailed samples to help convert leads into clients

07

Unrealistic Client Expectations

An increasing number of interior designers and architects find it challenging to satisfy their clients’ huge expectations, especially since they make unrealistic demands without wanting to spend much The failure to provide a decent budget forces designers to cut corners and stops them from delivering their best work If that wasn’t enough, most clients do not understand the time required to deliver a project, often leaving architects reeling under time pressure

Solution

Designers and architects must communicate the value they are delivering through their services and prove to the clients that the prices they are asking are worthy of the results they will deliver Clients need to be sensitised about the budget requirements when they want high-end, lavish designs for their homes or office.

08

High Costs of Running the Business

Business costs are at an all-time high due to rising material costs, marketing budgets, advertising spending and more. Such excessive costs coupled with low-budget clients lead to losses, especially when architects and designers cannot demand big budgets due to their failure to source premium quality products for client projects

18% of interior designers feel that increasing business costs lead to workflow inefficiencies and prolong the projects, especially when clients make sudden demands or changes in the middle of the project.

Solution

Clients like to work with design houses and architects who can deliver projects with high novelty value So just doing things better than your competitors is not enough. Rather, as an architect or design professional, you must offer your clients services and products no other competitor can provide So you must think outside of the box such as luxury, premium fittings that clients no longer need to go to Milan to get! It’s here that an experienced, reputed and established door handles partner comes into the picture.

Combating Common Challenges

Faced By Architects & Interior Designers

Through Strategic Partnerships

Interior design and architecture professionals are slowly realising the importance of partnering with industry specialists to deliver fullfledged, high-end client projects. They are now understanding that they can’t do everything alone and their success is tied to other strategic partners who are known for their industry expertise

When you work with reputed and well-established retailers, you get to provide high-quality hardware products and services to your clients without compromising on your key expertise which is design.

Working with reliable subcontractors and hardware partners can help you to reduce your stress and focus on what you do best. These professionals can lighten the pressure and enable you to provide a portfolio of the best services to your clients, in the shortest time and to perfection.

3 Powerful Ways to Leverage Strategic Partnerships For Your Architectural or Design Practice

SAVE TIME AND EFFORT IN SOURCING MATERIALS

If you think you can source materials for your client projects by searching multiple websites online, think again. Online shopping for architectural products can eat into your day and leave you feeling overwhelmed.

Moreover, to make your client projects stand out, you need unique, state-ofthe-art products that will help you to differentiate yourself and your designs And doing so isn’t always easy

Even if you shortlist some companies you wish to work with, finding the most appropriate products for each unique project can be challenging without the right expertise and product understanding

Take, for example, Benzoville which has the largest collection of over 5000+ original, European door handles and knobs in stock

Browsing such a large portfolio of products can become overwhelming. However, you don’t have to do this on your own since the right hardware materials partner such as Benzoville will have a well-equipped team to recommend the perfect products for you

Strategic Partnerships to the Rescue

With an experienced and well-established hardware partner by your side, you can save many hours of your time in handle selection while also benefitting from your partner’s product expertise

For instance, at Benzoville, we provide our top architect and interior design clients with expert consultation services under which our hardware specialists recommend the most suitable products for their projects in the right design, style, theme and finish The result is pure perfection!

ENHANCE YOUR CLIENT COMMUNICATIONS AND DELIVER TALK OF THE TOWN PROJECTS

One common trend seen in the architecture and interior industry is customers giving little importance to their hardware choices.

You must have experienced your customers trying to cut and squeeze your payments when it comes to hardware products, often asking and opting for cheaper products

Little do they realise that saving a few bucks on hardware can jeopardise the look and feel of their entire project

Unfortunately, educating your clients about the importance of high-quality hardware can feel like a challenge which leads to a constant disconnect in communication, not to forget the wastage of time in selecting hardware It is here that working with hardware specialists such as Benzoville is the wisest decision.

Partnering with the Experts

When you tie up with a team of experts who are passionate about hardware, have a well-equipped showroom and know their products well, you can improve your communication with your clients

The hardware team at Benzoville will speak to your clients and explain why they need a certain product and how it will enhance their interiors Such timely and expert communication will remove the pressure off you and make it easy to justify the importance of high-value products to your clients.

As a result, the client is convinced, the best products are used in their project and the final result is excellent. Clearly, a win-win situation for all!

BECOME THE FIRST CHOICE OF ELITE CLIENTS

Have you ever noticed clients coming back to you after say six months and asking for another piece of a specific handle or knob you installed in their home?

The only problem is the handle was Chinese made and you cannot find the same handle anywhere in the market

Here’s the thing. Low-quality, Chinese-made or local handles have a limited shelf life after which they disappear from the market and it is almost impossible to find the same piece again It’s why legacy clients prefer working with architects who can offer them a reliable materials library.

Sourcing Timeless Handles from Reputed Suppliers

When you work with a reputed supplier of designer hardware products, you get access to exquisite European hardware pieces with a much longer shelf life These handles offer a timeless feel and add beauty and elegance to classy interiors, making you stand out as a reliable source for high-end masterpieces.

Take for example Benzoville which is an exclusive supplier of the world’s finest European luxury handles We offer over 10,000 varieties of Door Handles, Cabinet and Wardrobe Handles and Knobs which are available for years to come. Designed by top architects and designers, these handles stand out for their design story and top-ofthe-line construction and aesthetics

When you source handles from Benzoville, you can count on impressing your clients and successfully meeting their handle requirements for years to come

Get Ahead of Competing Architecture Firms With The Right Strategic Partnerships

By working with the right hardware suppliers, you can optimise your architectural and interior design services, and put your best foot forward when dealing with big-ticket clients. With hardware experts taking care of your client’s product needs, you can minimise the pressure and focus on what you do best.

At Benzoville, we are your trusted hardware partner with an expert team of experts available round-theclock to help you deliver award-winning legacy projects We will help you save time and effort in sourcing the right materials, enhance your client communication and help you become the first choice of elite clients Our portfolio of the latest trending door, cabinets, kitchen and furniture handles and knobs will give you the upper hand over your competitors and become an undisputed market leader in the world of architecture and interior design!

BENZOVILLE HARDWARE CONSULTATION SERVICE

There is a difference between buying just any door handles or purchasing the PERFECT masterpiece door handles to fill your legacy home with panache and eclectic charm.

That’s why we have put together a series of Hardware Consultation Services to help you make the right choices! So select the ones most suited to your needs, and let us take care of the rest

Key Features

Door Handles Home Solutions

Hassle-free service experience

Accurate product and budget estimates through on-site evaluation

Hardware Consultancy by experts

Well trained Carpenters

Perfect installation of Hardware

Up to 1 Years warranty

Visit

www.benzoville.com

BENZOVILLE DOOR HANDLES CONSULTANCY

There is a difference between buying just any door handle and purchasing the PERFECT masterpiece door handles to fill your legacy home with panache and eclectic charm. That’s why we have put together a series of Hardware Consultation Services to help you make the right choices! So select the ones most suited to your needs, and let us take care of the rest

Key Features

Professional Door handles advice from experts. Customised service experience right in the comfort of your home.

BENZOVILLE HANDLES IDEAS STORE

Can a showroom be more than just a Hardware Showroom? Can it be a repository of ideas, the right advice and the latest trends? With the birth of our Benzoville hardware stores in Delhi and Gurgaon, the answer was a big and resounding YES.

Key Features

A relaxed environment to browse through a world of intricate, gorgeous and beautifully handcrafted door handle samples. Personalised advice on finishes, styles and products by Benzoville Hardware experts.

We look forward to welcoming you to your closest Benzoville Showroom in Delhi or Gurgaon. Let’s make magic happen for your beautiful home with the World’s BestSelling Designer Door Handles and Knobs!