Real-Life Communication
When you are a lighting designer, someone is always your client.
"Even
if clients are not always 'right,' there are many ways to see things
--and they are paying the bill," says designer Kimberly Martin. What if a
client asks you to change something in the last minute before the show?
"You
can always say, 'No, I'm sorry it can't be done without jeopardizing
what you already have,'" says Martin. "But clients don't like to
hear that, so you'd better be able to explain why it will jeopardize
the current show. It's better not to say 'no,' but to say,
'Here are your choices, you decide.'"
You are designing the
outdoor lighting for a nonprofit company that is concerned with energy conservation
as well as cost savings.
The client has specified that they want security
lighting on each of the pathways leading to the main building. However, the
type of lights they have chosen are not good in cold weather. You know of
another type that would work, but it is much more expensive.
You need
to explain the situation clearly, then let the client make the decision. Write
what you will say to the client.