Personal Experience: How to Work on a Project Remotely

Designer Daria Pikova permanently resides on Cyprus, yet still communicates with clients and manages projects worldwide. We asked the designer to share her experience and discuss the nuances of working remotely on interior design.

Daria Pikova
Designer and Studio Director of Daria Pikova, whose inspiration came from working in the Italian studio CaberlonCaroppi

Work begins with introduction
In the age of social media, clients increasingly find designers through publications on interior design websites and Instagram. We call each other, discuss preferences and the object itself, timelines, need for author supervision, pricing conditions. If everything aligns, we sign a contract and begin work.

Designer Daria Pikova
Next — Measurements

Measurements are handled by specially invited measurers—freelancers or companies. They arrive at a convenient time for the client, take measurements and photo documentation, then pass the completed measurement plan to the designer. This is very convenient. Therefore, many of my colleagues who are in the same city as their clients still use professional measurers.

Working on the Design Project — The Easiest Phase

Remote work on a project is no different from regular work: first, the layout solution is developed, then collages (sometimes we make simple models in Sketch Up for those clients who find it difficult to understand sketches).

When there is a clear understanding of the overall concept and finishes and furniture items are agreed upon, we hand over the project for visualization and prepare drawings. My team members also work remotely, from the Far East to the USA. We communicate via WhatsApp, Telegram, and other messengers.

Design: Daria Pikova
How Does the Design Project Implementation Happen?
1. The Client Does Everything Themselves

When the design project is ready, we hand it over to the client and they handle the renovation independently. Unfortunately, often the result does not match expectations or even the design project itself, because clients change paint color, countertops, and furniture. Currently, we have stopped accepting such projects and no longer take on works without author supervision.

2. The Designer Consults with the Client Remotely

In this case, the client still handles author supervision independently but chooses materials under the designer's guidance, who is always available. Builders also receive their share of consultations. This option is more viable: if clients change something, they coordinate it with the designer.

3. A Helper Visits the Site

When working remotely, it is convenient to have a helper in the city where the object is located who can quickly join the project. I have such a designer colleague in Moscow: she visits for author supervision, handles material selection and resolves urgent client issues. I also often go to Moscow and St. Petersburg and always check the current construction sites myself.

Design: Daria Pikova
What About Material Selection?

Remote material selection is easy now—just choose the necessary furniture items from catalogs and online stores. Some companies and factories allow you to request photos of actual items—so there are no problems with this.

Photo Shoot — An Essential Stage

If the interior is implemented according to the project, it's always good to have it professionally photographed. If you can't be present during the shoot, it’s better to choose a reliable photographer and stylist whom you can trust and pre-coordinate the decor and angles.

Design: Daria Pikova
Pros and Cons of Remote Project Work
Pros:

• I don’t spend time commuting in traffic or having personal meetings;
  
• When I visit Moscow or St. Petersburg for a few days, all questions are resolved quickly, and clients don’t delay decision-making.

Cons:

• When the client selects furniture and wall colors themselves, they might send photos with incorrect color reproduction, leading to mistakes. But so far this hasn’t happened.

Design: Daria Pikova
So, If You Want to Work on Projects Remotely
Regularly publish on interior design websites and start a page on Instagram—this way, you’ll attract new clients. Set up popular messengers to always stay in contact. Find a verified team of measurers—measurements are where the project work begins. Agree on a helper who visits the sites—this way you can take on projects with author supervision. Establish contacts with suppliers, factories, and showrooms to always stay updated on new products and get information quickly. Be ready for occasional business trips—some objects require your direct control.