Working with Design Clients

Meaghan Dee is a designer and an Associate Professor (and Chair) of Graphic Design at Virginia Tech, USA. Prior to this role, Meaghan spent three years as Director of a student-run, faculty-led studio, where she gained hands-on experience. Meaghan also spent six years serving on the board (and as co-chair) of the AIGA Design Educators' Community.Jessica Meharry is an Associate Professor and co-Director of Academic Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Columbia College Chicago, USA. She is a designer, scholar, and educator with cross-disciplinary research focused on developing inclusive design management pedagogy and designing for equitable economies. She has more than 20 years of experience in higher education.

• IntroductionPart 1: Why1. Learning Through ExperienceThis chapter situates client work in the design classroom within a larger educational context by addressing learning-through-doing, project outcomes, and a variety of styles of studio2. Connecting to IndustryExplores the relationship between client-based experiences and an overall design education. The chapter connects these experiences to current marketplace demands and alternative models for design practice, as well as hearing advice from professionals working in industry3. Becoming Empowered (including input from Najla Mouchrek)Studio experiences can provide a sense of agency and purpose when students take on responsibilities of guiding real-world clients and community interactions. This chapter covers empowerment, mentorship, power sharing and collaborationsPart 2: What4. Engaging with CommunitiesThis chapter explores a range of approaches to ethical community and client engagement through real-world project experiences. Throughout this chapter we will identify strategies for “designing with, not for” communities and provide a deep examination of ethical and value considerations5. Finding Focus and Targeting CommunitiesThis chapter addresses framing the scope of projects, the types of clients and partners, and approaches to various contractual arrangements6. Achieving Learning GoalsThere are a vast ranges of approaches to how, when, and where these experiences happen for students, from single projects within a class, to capstone-level practicum courses, to independent, standalone studios. Through a series of surveys and interviews, we show real- world examples of each model and outline options for how to establish client relationships and studio experiences based on a program’s unique needs and intentionsPart 3: Who7. Exploring Work RolesThis chapter identifies the responsibilities that students, faculty, and assistants assume as well as the strategies for dealing with the workload related to those responsibilities. Real-world clients bring real-world challenges. As such, this chapter offer strategies for dealing with conflicts, how to effectively collaborate, and how to structure student teams8. Working With ClientsThis chapter uncovers the nuts and bolts of working with clients. The best way to build and maintain strong client relationships is to establish clear communication. Designers must listen to clients and be able to articulate and confirm expectations. Instructors must align client work with learning outcomes and student expectations. Students must also develop knowledge and skills in project management and financial management, including how to analyze and create contractual documents and creative briefs9. Articulating ValueIn this chapter, readers will be guided through strategies to articulate the value (both monetarily and educationally) to stakeholdersPart 4: How10. Launching the StudioThis chapter outlines best practices and strategies for a successful launch (or re-launch) of a full-fledged, student-run campus design studio11. Managing the MoneyThis chapter addresses the operations and logistics of advising and operating a student-run campus design studio. In this chapter, we share findings from our interviews and research that outline a range of practices that have worked for those who are actively guiding these experiences12. Planning for the FutureThis chapter addresses the challenges and best practices of studio operations when taking over an existing studio and for when pivoting directions with your current studio. Based on interviews and case studies, we outline best and worst case scenarios. We include a discussion of how to handle the hand-off between firms, turning repositioning into a design project, and collaborating with other firms within an institution. We conclude by providing tools to help you create a future vision for your ideal studioConclusion and Resources