Charge for Design or Give Yourself Away for Free?Charging for design in the pool industry has been a much debated and controversial topic of discussion since I entered my career, designing and building outdoor living environment in 1983. After studying and receiving a bachelor of Landscape Architecture from Texas Tech University I decided that the residential design/build area was where I should focus.From the very beginning, it seemed that proposed or prospective clients almost always had an aversion to or had trouble seeing value in paying for design. I really never understood that thought. As a design professional I wondered why we were not respected as any other professions such as physicians, attorneys and other consultants that charged for and made a living giving advice, opinions and be paid for skills similar in importance as us!I guess it boils down to how each individual or company feels how much or how little their time, ability, creativity, ideas and competence is worth. The vision and opinion of our firm, Land Design feels that we have invested an extreme amount of effort, time, and money for our college educations and high level continuing education. We make a dedicated effort to be a part of, attend and participate in training and educational programs from some of the best and well respected individuals and organizations in the pool and closely related industries.By participating and attending numerous training functions, conferences, and trade shows you can help make a difference and help elevate our industry. There are many options for education in all disciples of the pool and landscape design/construction industry; to mention a few great organizations we are involved with and/or highly recommend; ASLA – American Society of Landscape Architects, APSP – Association of Pool and Spa Professional, Aquatech - Society of Professional Pool Builders, WOC - World of Concrete, ASCC – American Society of Concrete Contractors, ACI – American Concrete Institute, NPC – National Plasters Council, etc. and I could go on forever.A few certification and high level training programs Land Design employees have attended and completed and/or are still attending, working on, or have received additional certifications, expertise, and knowledge such as, APSP – CBP (Certified Building Professional), Genesis 3 Design Group – (Certified Watershaper program), Extreme Success - MBS program are just a few excellent opportunities to elevate our competence and relevance in this often disrespected industry. Thus together helping change the perceived value of, in my opinion, the first, one of most important and under rated step in the construction process; designing/creating ideas, concepts, and options for the constructing/implementing and delivering the client’s custom outdoor living environment to fit their personal lifestyle.To summarize; Don’t give it away if you feel it’s worth something. You get what you pay for!
I agree Mike, at least in alignment with your presupposition. The presupposition you base your comments upon is "a highly trained,certified, and continually learning", individual. I agree that this type of pool designer will deliver far more value than a beginner, or even someone who claims "30 year experience" when potentially it is only one years of experience, 30 times.
A professional design adds more economic, aesthetic, efficiency, lifestyle, safety, and utilitarian value, and is well worth the investment in the design phase.
Comments
A professional design adds more economic, aesthetic, efficiency, lifestyle, safety, and utilitarian value, and is well worth the investment in the design phase.